Improve Balance Ability Research Articles

Effects of hydrokinesitherapy on balance and walking ability in stroke survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

BackgroundBalance and walking impairment are common dysfunctions after stroke. Emerging data has demonstrated that hydrokinesitherapy may have a positive influence on improvement of balance and walking ability. However, there is no firm evidence to support these results. Therefore, the aim of this review is to evaluate the effects of hydrokinesitherapy in stroke survivors systematically.MethodsMedline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus were systemic searched from their inception to Septemter 30, 2018. RevMan 5.3 software was used to perform data synthesis. The fixed-effect model or random-effect model was employed according to the results of heterogeneity test. The mean differences (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to evaluate the pooled effect of hydrokinesitherapy on balance function, walking ability and activty of daily life (ADL).ResultsA total of 13 studies were included involving 381 stroke survivors. Meta-analysis results indicated that hydrokinesitherapy could improve balance ability based on three test: Berg balance scale (BBS: MD = 3.84, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.84 to 4.86, P < 0.001), Time Up To Go Test (TUGT: MD = − 1.22, 95% CI − 2.25 to − 0.18, P = 0.02, fixed-effect model), Functional Reach Test (FRT: MD = 2.41, 95% CI 1.49 to 3.33, P < 0.001). Additionally, we found a weakly positive effect on walking speed (SMD = 0.75, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.25, P = 0.003) and walking ability test (SMD = 0.36, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.68, P = 0.03). There was no significant difference between experimental group and control group in terms of ADL.Short conclusionHydrokinesitherapy can improve balance function and had a weakly positive effect on walking ability in stroke survivors. We did not find sufficient evidence to indicate that hydrokinesitherapy could improve the ADL of stroke survivors. However, due to the methodological shortcoming and small number of included studies, caution is needed when interpreting these results. Due to imprecision and publication bias, the quality of the evidence was downgraded to “low-quality” for the primary outcomes of balance and walking ability.Trial registrationCRD42018110787.

Effects of Tai Chi on Cerebral Hemodynamics and Health-Related Outcomes in Older Community Adults at Risk of Ischemic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study investigated the effects of Tai Chi compared with no exercise control on the cerebral hemodynamic parameters and other health-related factors in community older adults at risk of ischemic stroke. A total of 170 eligible participants were randomly allocated to Tai Chi or control group. The cerebral hemodynamic parameters and physical fitness risk factors of cardiovascular disease were measured at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. After the 12-week intervention, Tai Chi significantly improved the minimum of blood flow velocity (BFVmin); BFVmean; pulsatility index and resistance index of the right anterior cerebral artery; and BFVmax, BFVmin, and BFVmean parameters of the right middle cerebral artery. Tai Chi training also decreased triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, and homocysteine levels, and improved balance ability. Therefore, the supervised 12-week Tai Chi exercise had potential beneficial effects on cerebral hemodynamics, plasma risk factors, and balance ability in older community adults at risk of ischemic stroke.

Impact of Hyperoxic Preconditioning in Normobaric Hypoxia (3500m) on Balance Ability in Highly Skilled Skiers: A Randomized, Crossover Study.

To investigate whether hyperoxic preconditioning (pure-oxygen supplementation prior to exercise) improves balance ability and postural stability during normobaric hypoxia (3500m) in highly skilled skiers. In this single-blind randomized, crossover study, 19 subjects performed a 60-s balance test (MFT S3-Check) in a normobaric hypoxic chamber. After a short period of adaptation to hypoxia (60min), they received either pure oxygen or chamber air for 5min prior to a balance test (hyperoxic preconditioning vs nonhyperoxic preconditioning). Capillary blood was collected 3 times. Balance performance, indexed by sensory (P = .097), stability (P = .937), and symmetry (P = .202) scores, was not significantly different after the hyperoxic preconditioning phase. Balance performance decreased over time (no group difference). After hyperoxic preconditioning, arterial partial pressure of oxygen increased from 52.7 (4.5)mm Hg to 212.5 (75.8)mm Hg, and oxygen saturation of hemoglobin increased from 85.8% (3.5%) to 98.9% (0.7%) and remained significantly elevated to 90.1% (2.0%) after the balance test. A hyperoxic preconditioning phase does not affect balance performance under hypoxic environmental conditions. A performance-enhancing effect, at least in terms of coordinative functions, was not supported by this study.

Tai Chi for improving balance and reducing falls: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis.

To investigate the effectiveness and safety of Tai Chi for improving balance and reducing falls on people. The following databases will be searched: China Biology Medicine (CBM), China National Knowledge infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang Data, the Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library from inception to March 2019. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) utilized Tai Chi to improve balance ability and reduce falls will be included. Primary outcomes are the fall-related indicators, including the number of falls, fall rate, and other fall-related outcomes. Additional outcomes include the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), standing-walk test, single-legged time, or other balance-related outcomes. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment will be performed independently by 2 reviewers. Assessment of risk of bias and data synthesis will be performed using Review Manager V5.3 software. The findings of this systematic review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication or conference presentations.Trial registration number PROSPERO CRD42019127810.

Effects of Stretching Exercises and Core Muscle Exercises on Flexibility and Balance Ability

Background : Several studies have suggested different arguments for the effect of stretching exercises and core muscle exercises on flexibility and balance ability. Objective : To determine the effects of stretching exercises and core muscle exercise on flexibility and balance ability. Design : Quasi experimental research Method : The study applied exercise interventions (three sessions per week for 6 weeks) on 40 subjects. The subjects were divided into stretching and core muscle exerciseing groups to identify the change of flexibility and balance ability. Sit- and- reach test results and hip hyperextension were measured for identifying changes in flexibility, and the Romberg test and Pedalo stabilizer were used for changes in balance ability. Results : Both the stretching exercise and core muscle exercise groups showed a statistically significant increase in flexibility (p .05). In the analysis of the differences in the amount of change in flexibility, based on the types of exercise, stretching exercises showed a significant difference (p .05). Conclusions : These findings indicate that stretching exercises are the more effective intervention for improving and maintaining flexibility, whereas there is no difference between stretching and core muscle exercises with respect to improving balance ability.

A Community-dwelling Older Adult with Concurrent Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Peripheral Neuropathy: A Case Report.

Background: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) may be idiopathic, iatrogenic, or be caused by any number of chronic diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). PN is of particular interest to physical therapists, because it contributes to an individual’s risk of falling. Purpose: (1) To describe a community-dwelling older adult with HIV, DM1, PN, and neurotoxic medication use (2) Highlight the pathophysiology of each diagnoses and resulting neuropathy and describe their effect on clinical decision-making when they are both present. Case Description: A seventy-two year-old man presented to outpatient physical therapy with PN and concurrent HIV and DM1. Physical examination identified decreased somatosensation and proprioception amongst other findings. Based on Functional Reach Test (FRT) and the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) fall risk cutoff scores, he was at risk of falling. Due to his PN, he was hindered in his ability to maintain balance in low-light situations, traverse stairs with objects in hand, and navigate crowded spaces while traveling and taking photographs. Intervention included balance-challenging neuromotor exercises, progressing in difficulty, and including static, dynamic, anticipatory, and reactive balance interventions. Outcomes: Despite chronic health conditions, the patient experienced meaningful improvements in balance ability and balance confidence. Over 5 sessions of physical therapy in 7 weeks, he improved his scores and was no longer a fall risk on the FRT and ABC. Discussion: PN may be the result of a single diagnosis, or multiple concurrent diagnoses. Studies are much more likely to include individuals with PN from a single source, as opposed to multiple concurrent diagnoses. In the presence of multiple etiologies, it is difficult to determine the best physical therapy intervention approach. Areas for future research may take two directions: (1) Including patients with coexisting conditions in trials (2) Stratification with very clear description of diagnoses in studies seeking optimal examination and intervention approaches. Conclusion: In the absence of clearer guidelines and stratification, an understanding of pathophysiology, patient goals and expectations, and preliminary published evidence should be used to develop an individualized approach to evaluating and treating individuals with PN.

Effects of Tai Chi Yunshou exercise on community-based stroke patients: a cluster randomized controlled trial

BackgroudTai Chi Chuan was used for stroke survivors with balance impairments. However, even a short-form of Tai Chi Chuan includes forms that make the exercise challenging for the stroke survivors. Tai Chi Yunshou (wave hands in the cloud) is the “mother” form and the fundamental form of all Tai Chi Chuan styles, which is considered more suitable and feasible for stroke survivors with balance impairments. So this study was designed to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi Yunshou exercise on community-based stroke patients with balance dysfunctions.MethodsA total of 250 participants from 10 community health centers (5 per arm) were selected and randomly allocated into Tai Chi Yunshou exercise group (TC group) or a balance rehabilitation training group (control group) in an equal ratio. Participants in the TC group were received Tai Chi Yunshou exercise training five times per week for 12 weeks and those in control group were received balance rehabilitation training five times per week for 12 weeks. Outcome assessments including Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Time up to go test (TUGT), Modified Barthel Index (MBI) were measured at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and followed-up 6 weeks (18 weeks), 12 weeks (24 weeks). Intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Analysis of variance of repeated measures was used to assess between-group differences.ResultsA total of 244 participants, 120 in the TC group and 124 in the rehabilitation group, were included in final analysis. There was no siginificant difference in Tai Chi Yunshou and balance rehabilitation training on the improvement of balance ability and mobility (P = 0.531 and P = 0.839, respectively) after adjustment for baseline. However, there was significant difference between two groups on improvement of motor funtion (P = 0.022), fear of falling (P < 0.001) and depression (P = 0.035) for the post stroke patients. No adverse events were reported during the study.ConclusionTai Chi Yunshou and balance rehabilitation training led to improved balance ability and functional mobility, and both are suitable community-based programs that may benefit for stroke recovery and community reintegration. Our data demonstrated that a 12-week Tai Chi Yunshou intervention was more effective in motor function, fear of falling and depression than balance rehabilitation training. Future studies examining the effectiveness of Tai Chi Yunahou as a balance ability improvement strategy for community-dwelling survivors of stroke are recommended.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trail Registry: ChiCRT-TRC-13003641. Registration date: 22 August, 2013.

Use of a Gaming Platform for Balance Training After a Stroke: A Randomized Trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate a personal computer (PC) gaming platform as a means of improving postural balance in stroke patients. ParticipantsStroke patients (N=54) were enrolled and randomly divided into experimental and control groups. DesignThe experimental group underwent 12 weeks of rehabilitation involving playing PC games with the proposed gaming platform, whereas the control group played PC games with a computer mouse in the standing position. InterventionsThe experimental PC gaming platform allowed trunk movements in 3 directions, including lateral, downward, or upward reaching. Main Outcome MeasuresBalance control was assessed before and after the intervention with the Midot Posture Scale Analyzer (a pressure platform) by measuring the center of pressure during quiet stance. The Berg Balance Scale, Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale, and timed Up and Go tests were used to evaluate functional balance. ResultsAnalysis of covariance was used to assess how the PC games improve balance abilities. There were significant differences between the experimental and control groups in the results of sway kinematics and functional balance tests. The experimental group showed greater improvement than the control group. ConclusionThis new gaming platform with adaptive PC games could be a useful therapy to stroke rehabilitation in patients with postural imbalance.

Different weight shift trainings can improve the balance performance of patients with a chronic stroke: A randomized controlled trial.

Background:Improving balance ability, increasing walking ability, and reducing the occurrence of falls are important objectives in the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Do the posture balance training and the intervention of lateral wedge insoles to improve of balance function and increase walking ability in patients with a chronic stroke?Methods:A randomized, controlled trial with concealed allocation, intention-to-treat analysis, and blinded assessors. Participants who had a chronic stroke (onset >6 months) were recruited from the rehabilitation and neurology departments of a hospital in central Taiwan. Subjects were divided into 3 groups: a visual biofeedback balance training group, a lateral wedge group, and a control group; apart from their usual rehabilitation program, and both experimental groups received a 6-week training session program. The primary outcome was the balance computerized adaptive test (balance CAT), and secondary outcome was timed up and go (TUG) test. All subjects were evaluated at the baseline, posttraining (6-week), 1st follow-up (10-week), and 2nd follow-up (18-week).Results:A total of 56 subjects were participated in this study, including 38 males and 18 females. The mean age of the subjects was 59.1 years old, and the mean time was 43.7 months after the onset of the stroke. This study found the interaction in groups and measurement time points reached statistical significance of the balance CAT and TUG test (F = 5.740, P < .001; F = 2.926, P = .011; respectively). In addition, the performance of both the visual biofeedback training and lateral wedge group was superior to that of the control group.Conclusion:Six-week visual biofeedback training and intervention of 5° lateral wedge insoles can improve the balance ability of patients with a chronic stroke.Trial registry:http://www.chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR-IPR-15007092.

Correlations of Serum Hormones and Bone Mineral Density with Fracture and Balance Ability of Postmenopausal Patients and Effects of Calcitriol.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to analyze the correlations of serum hormones and bone mineral density (BMD) with fracture and balance ability of postmenopausal patients and effects of calcitriol on them.Material/MethodsThe clinical data of 164 postmenopausal female patients with osteoporosis (OP) treated in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsThe incidence rates of OVCF, balance index score (BIS), front-back ratio (FBR), and right-left ratio (RLR) in the normal BMD group, reduced BMD group, and OP group showed increasing trends, and there were statistically significant differences in comparisons among groups (p<0.05). The levels of serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) in the OVCF group were lower than those in the non-OVCF group, and there were statistically significant differences in comparisons between the 2 groups (p<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the comparison of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) level between the 2 groups (p>0.05). BIS, FBR, and RLR were negatively correlated with E2 and testosterone (T) (p<0.05). With the prolongation of calcitriol treatment time, BIS, FBR, and RLR gradually decreased, but T value gradually increased. At 6 months and 12 months after intervention, BIS, FBR, and RLR had significant differences compared to those before the experiment (p<0.05). (5) Total hip BMD, height, age, and body mass index (BMI) were the independent factors affecting SDI.ConclusionsHip BMD, age, height, and BMI are significantly correlated with OVCF. Calcitriol treatment can increase lumbar BMD and improve balance ability, and these effects become more obvious with prolongation of intervention time.

Immediate Effects of Lumbar Rotational Mobilization on the One-Legged Standing Ability in Healthy Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The original focus of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of lumbar rotational mobilization on the one-legged standing ability. Fifteen subjects (6 men and 9 women, mean age = 22.77 (SD = 1.21), mean height = 165.46cm (SD = 11.65), mean weight = 61.46kg (SD = 8.29) volunteers from healthy individuals were recruited and randomized to a lumbar rotational mobilization (LRM) group and a trunk rotational exercise (TRE) group. Mobilization (grade 3 or 4) was applied to the LRM group on the lumbar spine (L1 to L5) in a side-lying, and trunk twist exercise (left and right side) was applied the to the TRE group with lunge position. Center of pressure (COP) and the velocity of the center of pressure (VCOP) of each participant were measured as a balance ability through one leg standing position. Results are as follows. In within-group difference, the COP of the LRM group reduced during standing with the right foot, but the VCOP change of the LRM was not statistically significant. In between-groups difference, COP of TRE group was decreased compared with LRM group only during left leg standing in the eyes (p <.05). The results of this study suggest that LRM is more effective than TRE in improving balance ability.

Evidence of balance training-induced improvement in soccer-specific skills in U11 soccer players.

The present study aimed to determine the role of balance training improving technical soccer skills in young players. Two U11 soccer teams were randomly assigned one to either balance training (BT; n=22) or control group (Ctrl; n=21). At the end of their habitual soccer training (identical in BT and Ctrl), BT underwent additional balance training for 12weeks (3sessions/week, 20minutes per session), while Ctrl had a 20-minute scrimmage. Before and after the intervention, BT and Ctrl underwent two soccer-specific tests (Loughborough Soccer Passing, LSPT, and Shooting, LSST, Tests), and bipedal and unipedal balance evaluations. After intervention, both groups decreased the trials time and improved passing accuracy, with larger improvements in BT than Ctrl (LSPT penalty time [CI95% ]: -2.20seconds [-2.72/-1.68]; ES [CI95% ]: -2.54seconds [-3.34/-1.74]). Both groups improved balance ability, with BT showing larger increments in bipedal tests than Ctrl (static balance: -29mm [-42/-16]; ES: -1.39 [-2.05/-0.72]; limit of stability: 4% [3/5]; ES 3.93 [2.90/4.95]; unipedal quasi-dynamic balance: 0.07a.u. [0.03/0.11]; ES: 1.04 [0.40/1.67] and active range of motion: -5% [-8/-2]; ES -0.89 [-1.51/-0.26]). Low-to-moderate correlations between the players' technical level and unipedal balance ability were retrieved, particularly in the non-dominant limb (R from 0.30 to 0.48). Balance training improved some technical soccer skills more than habitual soccer training alone, suggesting that young soccer players may benefit from additional balance training added to their traditional training.

The Effects of Heel Off Stairway Walking Exercise on Ankle Muscle Activity and Static Balance of University Students With Ankle Instability

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of heel off stairway walking exercise on the increase of muscle activity and balance activity of the ankle joint muscles in university students with functional ankle instability. The conservative treatment for the control group consisted of stairway walking (n=10) and the experimental group consisted of heel off stairway walking (n=11). The therapeutic intervention of the control and experimental groups was performed a total of 12 exercise sessions, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. To compare the two groups, the level of ankle disability was assessed by using the EMG, BT4 and Pedoscan in pre-treatment and post-treatment. Muscle activity increased in both the experimental groups and control groups in each group, however there was no significant difference between the groups. Balance ability did not show any significant difference. This study demonstrates that heel-off stairway walking is effective in significantly increasing muscle activity, however did not significantly improve balance ability.

Effectiveness of a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and task-oriented balance training in reducing the fear of falling in patients with chronic stroke: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe consequences of falls are devastating for patients with stroke. Balance problems and fear of falling are two major challenges, and recent systematic reviews have revealed that habitual physical exercise training alone cannot reduce the occurrence of falls in stroke survivors. However, recent trials with community-dwelling healthy older adults yielded the promising result that interventions with a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) component can simultaneously promote balance and reduce the fear of falling. Therefore, the aim of the proposed clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of a combination of CBT and task-oriented balance training (TOBT) in promoting subjective balance confidence, and thereby reducing fear-avoidance behavior, improving balance ability, reducing fall risk, and promoting independent living, community reintegration, and health-related quality of life of patients with stroke.MethodsThe study will constitute a placebo-controlled single-blind parallel-group randomized controlled trial in which patients are assessed immediately, at 3 months, and at 12 months. The selected participants will be randomly allocated into one of two parallel groups (the experimental group and the control group) with a 1:1 ratio. Both groups will receive 45 min of TOBT twice per week for 8 weeks. In addition, the experimental group will receive a 45-min CBT-based group intervention, and the control group will receive 45 min of general health education (GHE) twice per week for 8 weeks. The primary outcome measure is subjective balance confidence. The secondary outcome measures are fear-avoidance behavior, balance ability, fall risk, level of activities of daily living, community reintegration, and health-related quality of life.DiscussionThe proposed clinical trial will compare the effectiveness of CBT combined with TOBT and GHE combined with TOBT in promoting subjective balance confidence among chronic stroke patients.We hope our results will provide evidence of a safe, cost-effective, and readily transferrable therapeutic approach to clinical practice that reduces fear-avoidance behavior, improves balance ability, reduces fall risk, promotes independence and community reintegration, and enhances health-related quality of life.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02937532. Registered on 17 October 2016.

Improving balance and walking ability in community-dwelling people with lower limb loss: a narrative review with clinical suggestions

Background: The number of people with lower limb loss has increased rapidly, and more than half do not become independent in community walking. Balance impairment has been identified as a primary constraint to independent walking. However, few physiotherapy programs to improve balance and walking have been researched.Objectives: This narrative review describes (1) programs improving balance and walking ability in community-dwelling people with lower limb loss and (2) clinical recommendations from the reviewed literature.Methods: The Cochrane, Ovid-Medline, and CINAHL databases, and the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics archive were searched from 1990 to 2016. Randomized control trials, repeated-measures cohorts, or case-control studies that involved physiotherapy intervention for community-dwelling people with major limb amputations were included.Major findings: Thirteen studies investigated programs to improve balance or walking ability, including 2 randomized control trials with ≥40 subjects; and 10 studies with ≤16 subjects. Six studies used enhanced sensory feedback, external balance perturbations, and stabilization exercises to improve balance ability. Nine studies used primarily functional gait training, progressive resistive exercises, and stabilization exercises to improve walking ability. Few comparison studies, small sample sizes, and subjects without vascular disease limited conclusions about specific treatment approaches for most people with lower limb loss.Conclusions: Evidence supporting physiotherapy for improving balance and gait has recently emerged. Manual therapy, exercise, balance training, resisted gait training, and walking all can benefit people with lower limb loss, but more controlled studies are required to determine the effectiveness of different physiotherapy programs.

Training using a new multidirectional reach tool improves balance in individuals with stroke.

Previous studies suggested that limits of stability (LOS) training with visual feedback using commercial equipment could be used to improve balance ability in individuals with stroke. However, this system is expensive. In this study, we created a new tool from inexpensive elements based on LOS training using visual feedback. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of training using a new multidirectional reach tool on balance in individuals with stroke. A single-blind randomized control trial was conducted. Individuals with stroke (n=16; age range 38-72years) were recruited. Participants in the experimental group were trained with the multidirectional reach training for 30min and conventional physical therapy for 30min per day, 3days a week for 4weeks. Participants in the control group received conventional physical therapy for 30min per day, 3days a week for 4weeks. The outcomes were LOS, weight-bearing squat, and Fullerton Advanced Balance scale. All of the outcome measures were measured at pretraining, post-training, and 1month follow-up. At post-training and 1-month follow-up, the participants in the experimental group had an improvement of dynamic balance than the control group. Furthermore, the activity assessment by Fullerton Advanced Balance scale was more improved at 1month follow-up in the experimental group than control group. The results of this study provide evidence that training using a new multidirectional reach tool is effective for improving balance in individuals with stroke.

Low-Cost Experimental System for Center of Mass and Center of Pressure Measurement (June 2018)

Falls happen when the center of mass of body is outside of its base of support and the recovery of the center of mass back to the base of support failed. Balance ability is an essential ability needed for humans’ daily routine activities. Improving balance ability should result in a better and more convenient way of living. There are various factors influence on balance ability. The focus of this paper is to investigate which factors have the greatest effect on balance. Balance ability is measured by deviations of center of pressure in both $x$ -direction (side-to-side) and $y$ -direction (front-to-back) with the age, height, body mass index, and location of body center of mass. Coordinates of subject’s joints were tracked and recorded by a motion capture system with three cameras and then were used to calculate the coordinates of segment’s mass center. The coordinates of whole body mass center were determined using the weighted segmental method. The trajectories of the center of pressure were tracked and recorded by a Wii balance board under five standing postures and slow sway movement along $x$ -direction (side-to-side) situations. The information obtained from the center of mass and the center of pressure data analysis may assist with fall prediction and prevention. With a basic training on system operation, laypersons may use this affordable low cost system at home as an exercise tool to improve balance capability and reduce fall risk factors.

Effect of balance training with Pro-kin System on balance in patients with white matter lesions.

Patients with white matter lesions (WMLs) often present with problems of balance. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of combined Pro-kin system and conventional balance training to improve balance ability in WMLs patients.This is a randomized controlled study, and 40 participants were divided into 2 groups: the intervention group (n=18) received Pro-kin system with additional conventional balance training for 20 minutes per session, 5 times a week, for 2 weeks. The control group (n = 19) received only conventional balance training. Outcome measures were examined before and after the 2 weeks intervention using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Pro-kin system.After completion of the 2 weeks intervention, BBS, TUG, and Pro-kin system results significantly improved in the intervention group (P < .05). In the control group, BBS and Pro-kin system results significantly improved (P < .05). Changes in all outcomes but the ellipse area with eye closed (P < .05) were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group.The combination of Pro-kin system and conventional balance training is a potentially valuable treatment for patients with WMLs.

THE EFFECTS OF 8 WEEKS CORE TRAINING ON DYNAMIC BALANCE OF ELITE LEVEL BADMINTON PLAYERS

Background: Core training is effective training for sports which require high level balance ability. Badminton needs good shaped balance ability for front side or back side on the court. Aim: Purpose of this study was to examine effects of core training on dynamic balance ability of high level Badminton players. Material and Methods: Experimental design, specifically randomized pretest- posttest control group, was used for this study. Matching participants was also applied for decreasing learning effect and pretest treatment interaction effect. Forty (22 male and 18 female) national Badminton players were recruited for this study. They were divided randomly two groups. Twenty of them were experimental group and other 20 of them were control group. Age of participants were 16-24 years (M= 18.98, SD= 1.92). Star excursion balance test was used in order to measure dynamic balance of participants. Mixed ANOVA was applied for statistical analysis. Result : Results showed that eight weeks core training increased dynamic balance ability of experimental group, not for control group participants. Conclusion: Core training has an effect on dynamic balance in high level badminton players and it should be used for improving balance ability of badminton players. Article visualizations:

노인의 균형능력 향상을 위한 안구운동 중재프로그램 효과성에 대한 체계적 문헌고찰

The purpose of this study was to analyze the research literature of eye movement intervention for improving balance ability in elderly. For this study, an systematic review concept analysis method was used proposed by Whittemore and Knafl(2005). KISS, RISS, PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar Databases were used for searching studies. Mainly used key words were eye movement training, gaze stability exercise, balance, postural control/stability, elderly/old and effect of eye movement. A total of 543 potential studies were found and lastly 12 studies were selected for this study. As a results, Both GSE and EMT group significantly improved in static and dynamic balance compared with control group. Furthermore, elderly group significantly improved in subjective balance confidence and fall efficacy after eye movement exercise intervention as well. This finding suggest that eye movement exercise intervention would help to improve balance ability and fall efficacy for elderly and patients who are highly risk of fall group.